With the Super Bowl over, the offseason is underway.
The Chiefs are surely still recovering from their victory parade, but the rest of the NFL has long had its sights set on the future. That includes the Jets, who are under the direction of novice general manager Joe Douglas.
This offseason will be Douglas’ first at the helm of a franchise, and it won’t be an easy one. With a flawed roster and somewhat limited resources, the GM has his work cut out for him. He has a lot to worry about this offseason — but at least the NFL provides a calendar to keep him on track.
As Douglas prepares for his first offseason in charge, here are all the key dates he and Gang Green fans should be aware of:
Feb. 24 — March 2: 2020 NFL Scouting Combine
Douglas has plenty of experience when it comes to scouting, and the combine will be his first extensive chance to do so with the Jets. Douglas’ eye for talent paid off for the Ravens and Eagles; now the Jets are hoping its their turn to benefit.
Feb. 25 — March 10: Franchise tag window
Fortunately for Douglas, the Jets won’t have to worry about franchise tagging anyone this offseason.
March 16 — 18: Window to negotiate with free agents
The Jets do have a lot of in-house free agents to worry about, though. More than 30 Jets are heading for some form of free agency. The most notable names include Robby Anderson, Jordan Jenkins and Brian Poole. If Douglas wants to keep any of them from reaching the open market, this will be the time to make that happen.
March 18: First day to sign free agents
The new league year begins March 18 at 4 p.m. ET. This is when teams can officially sign new players, though Douglas will get a chance to talk details with his top targets in the days leading up to March 18.
April 20: Offseason workouts for teams with returning head coaches
Like it or not, Adam Gase will be back in 2020. That means he and the Jets will start up offseason workouts on April 20. Teams with new head coaches can start at the beginning of the month.
April 23 — 25: 2020 NFL Draft
Plain and simple: these are the days that Douglas has to shine brightest. His predecessor, Mike Maccagnan, had a habit of botching drafts, and that’s one of the reasons why he’s no longer around.
Early May: Rookie Minicamps
July 15: Deadline for franchise tagged players to sign long-term deals
Again, the Jets don’t have to worry about tagging any of their own guys, but this deadline could still end up being important to them. Tagged players that fail to sign extensions often become trade candidates, so Douglas will have to keep an ear pressed against the rumor mill if he wants to make any last-minute upgrades.
Mid-July: Training Camp
After an offseason of roster construction, all of Douglas’ work will come together on the field. Will it be enough for the Jets to contend in 2020?